JFK assassination memorials planned

Nov. 23, 2012
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John F. Kennedy in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. / AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

John F. Kennedy nostalgia, never far from the political surface for nearly half a century, will be especially prevalent over the next year.

Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) marked 49 years since the Kennedy assassination -- meaning next year will be the 50th anniversary, with all the publicity surrounding such a milestone.

Among the organizations planning memorials is the city of Dallas, where history changed forever on Nov. 22, 1963.

The Associated Press reports that Dallas will mark the event "with a ceremony featuring the tolling of church bells, a moment of silence and readings by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough from the president's speeches."

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says, "I think what we want to do is focus on the life and legacy and leadership of President Kennedy. ... The tone is going to be serious, simple, respectful, and it's going to be about his life."

"The commemoration Nov. 22, 2013, will take place in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy's motorcade through downtown Dallas was passing as shots rang out. The ceremony will begin at 12:25 p.m. with the tolling of church bells across the city, followed by a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m., the time of the shooting.

"The Warren Commission that investigated the president's death concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald fired at Kennedy's motorcade from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository and acted alone.

"Rawlings convened a committee of more than two dozen Dallas civic leaders to decide how to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination. He said the committee decided the commemoration should be a tribute to Kennedy's life. He said students throughout the city will learn about Kennedy and talk about ways they can fulfill his charge to think about what they can do for their country.

"The ceremony, expected to last about 45 minutes, also will feature a performance by the U.S. Naval Academy Men's Glee Club in honor of Kennedy, who was a U.S. Navy veteran. Religious leaders will offer prayers and a benediction, and there will be a military flyover."